I don't have anything on order right now. However, I am waiting for both the TWSBI economy model and the TWSBI mini vac filler to make their appearances. I have a $40.00 gift certificate for Goulet Pens and I am desperately saving it to put towards one of these two pens.

By the way, even though it is based in the United States, take a look at The Goulet Pen Company site (http://gouletpens.com). Under "Inks" you can search by color. It is then possible to see all of their brown inks and how they vary in hue. The Goulets sell in excess of 600 inks in various colors, offer samples of these inks for a minimal amount (usually good for one or two fills), and ship all over the world.

How about a look at the filler mechanism.... when you say piston it could mean a few different things. I have repaired a few of these pens with different mechanisms and might have an idea but need to see what you're working with.

In terms of my favorite pens or suggestions to you would be a Lamy Safari (excellent pen!) and for vintage a Parker51. Both are like silk!

The answer to this question is YES! I have so many different colors. I like Noodler's Black American Eel. It is a very dark black and is waterproof. I like the waterproof aspect for addressing envelopes because I then don't have to worry about rain ruining the address.

While you have places to go in England for your inks, definitely go on line to The Goulet Pen Company (http://www.gouletpens.com/Default.asp). They sell more than 600 inks in all price ranges and you can view them all at once, by brand, or by color. While I am not necessarily suggesting buying from them because shipping might be prohibitive, it will give you an excellent idea of what is out there. Noticeably missing from those inks is Mont Blanc. Because the Goulets run an online store only, Mont Blanc won't let them sell their products as they demand their sellers have a bricks and mortar store.